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Panthers Announce ASSIST Program

by
Staff Writer
/ Florida Panthers

Lynsie Estes hired to spearhead effort

SUNRISE, Fla. – Sunrise Sports & Entertainment announced today the new Florida Panthers ASSIST program, which encompasses the company’s enhanced commitment to the South Florida community through a complete redevelopment of the grassroots marketing and fan development departments and will be spearheaded by new hire Lynsie Estes.

The Panthers will deploy significant resources to engage South Florida youth, families, current and potential fans and hockey players, to extend its reach through community-driven programs and fan outreach initiatives.

In addition, Estes has joined the organization as Director of Fan Development & Grassroots Marketing, after nearly five years as Senior Manager of Fan Development for the Anaheim Ducks. Estes will be responsible for a large portion of the ASSIST program, and will oversee the conception, budget, strategy and execution of all grassroots marketing, fan development, youth hockey and schools/education initiatives. In addition to the Ducks, Estes remains a board member on the NHL Fan Development Advisory Board & Subcommittee, and spent time with the Ann Arbor Ice Cube and the United States National Team Development Program in Michigan.

In addition, the Panthers will be out in the community getting fans excited for Opening Night 2010 with a number of new initiatives including the Party Patrol presented by Tenet Healthcare and Pizza Fusion, and the JetBlue Tarmac Party during weekend home games at the BankAtlantic Center.

The Party Patrol will visit numerous locations throughout South Florida including parks, beaches, malls, bars, concert venues, hockey rinks and more. It will feature inflatable activities such as the Panthers slide, mini slap shot, bounce house and obstacle course, the new Panthers Party Mobiles equipped with video games, music and sound systems, as well as appearances from Panthers personalities, the Ice Dancers and more.

The JetBlue Tarmac Party will take place prior to every weekend Panthers home game and feature the above activities and potential live music performances, autograph or meet-and-greet opportunities, and more.

Also as part of ASSIST, the Panthers will announce specific school/education programs and youth hockey initiatives prior to Opening Night 2010. For more information about ASSIST or upcoming Panthers community appearances, please contact Fan Development & Grassroots Marketing Director Lynsie Estes at EstesL@sselive.com or log on to FloridaPanthers.com.

Sunrise Sports & Entertainment is the premier company of its kind in South Florida. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Home to more than 200 events annually and the Florida Panthers Hockey Club, the BankAtlantic Center welcomes more than two million guests each year.